Thursday, 7 January 2010

Neville, like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, has played his entire career for Manchester United after coming through the youth system. But unlike that venerated duo, Neville remains wildly unpopular with many fans around the countryside, particularly on Merseyside.

His most famous quote – "I can't stand Liverpool, I can't stand Liverpool people, I can't stand anything to do with them," – cemented his reputation as United's chief Scouse-baiter, a role he has revelled in. His attitude towards Manchester City is similarly partisan, and while many United fans love him for it, others have found Neville's more aggressive pronouncements as slightly cringeworthy coming for a player from a nice family in Bury.

When Neville does retire, he will do so as one of the most decorated players in the history of English football, having won 16 major honours, including two Champions Leagues. He has also won 85 England caps and played in three World Cup finals.

But did his position as a United player – and his close relationship with David Beckham – advance his cause ahead of more deserving players? And has his attitude only incited more bad blood between rival players and supporters?

Or do you think football needs more Gary Nevilles – one-club men who wear their heart on their sleeves – and less "robots"?